What are disease management programs (DMPs)?
Disease management programs (DMPs) are structured treatment plans that aim to help people better manage their chronic disease and to maintain and improve quality of life. DMPs are also run with the general goal of improving medical treatment in the long term. They are also called “structured treatment programs.”
Statutory health insurance funds in Germany have offered DMPs in cooperation with doctors since 2002. The programs include regular doctor's appointments for consultations and medical examinations. Learning more is also a part of the programs, for example in the form of training courses for patients. Doctors who offer DMP treatment must meet certain requirements and follow defined quality standards.
In Germany, DMPs are currently available for people with these chronic diseases:
- Asthma
- Chronic-obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Breast cancer
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Coronary artery disease (CAD), including a module for chronic heart failure
People who have more than one of these diseases can participate in the DMPs for each of their diseases.
The programs are based on the guidelines issued by the German Federal Joint Committee (G-BA). G-BA is the highest decision-making body of the joint self-government of physicians, dentists, psychotherapists, hospitals and health insurance funds in Germany.